Food in Paraguay is a mix of tasty flavors inspired by their diverse culture and the abundance of farm-fresh ingredients. With simple yet hearty foods like corn and cassava, Paraguay’s dishes are full of flavor. They use aromatic spices and blend indigenous, Spanish, and Guarani influences to create delicious meals that tell a story of tradition and creativity. Here are the most popular Paraguayan dishes for you to try during you visit to Paraguay.
Food in Paraguay: 10 dishes to try
Sopa Paraguaya
Despite its name, this traditional dish is not a soup but a dense cornbread. It’s made with cornmeal, cheese, and sometimes onions or bell peppers, creating a flavorful and hearty treat.
Chipa
These cheesy bread rolls are a popular snack or breakfast item in Paraguay. Made with manioc flour, cheese, eggs, and sometimes meat, chipa has a distinctive taste and texture.
Mbeju
Similar to sopa Paraguaya, mbeju is a type of pancake made with cassava (manioc) flour, cheese, and sometimes eggs. It’s a delicious gluten-free option and a staple in Paraguayan cuisine.
Asado Paraguayo
Paraguayans, like their neighbors in Argentina and Uruguay, love a good barbecue. Asado Paraguayo typically includes various cuts of beef, pork, and sausages grilled to perfection.
Mandioquinha Frita
Deep-fried cassava is often known as “Mandioquinha Frita” in Paraguay. Mandioquinha refers to cassava or manioc, and when sliced and deep-fried, it becomes a delicious snack or side dish. The crispy exterior and soft interior make it a popular treat, often enjoyed with sauces or dips for added flavor. This simple and satisfying dish is a common street food item in Paraguay, showcasing the versatility and tasty nature of cassava in the country’s culinary scene.
Pastel Mandi’o
A deep-fried pastry filled with mashed mandioca (cassava) and sometimes cheese or meat. It’s a popular street food snack enjoyed for its crispy exterior and soft, flavorful filling.
So’o apu’a (Caldo de Albóndigas)
“So’o apu’a,” also known as Caldo de Albóndigas, is a traditional Paraguayan dish that translates to “meatball soup” in English. This comforting and flavorful soup is made with seasoned meatballs, often a mix of ground beef and pork, combined with rice, vegetables, and various spices. The meatballs are typically seasoned with herbs and spices, adding depth to the broth.
Empanadas Paraguayas
Paraguayan empanadas are deep-fried pockets of dough filled with ground meat, onions, and spices. They make for a delicious and portable snack.
Bori Bori
This is a traditional Paraguayan soup with dumplings made from cornmeal and cheese. It often includes chicken, vegetables, and aromatic herbs, providing a comforting and hearty meal.
Tereré
While not a food, tereré is a traditional Paraguayan cold herbal tea. Prepared with yerba mate, cold water, and sometimes herbs or citrus, tereré is a popular and refreshing beverage enjoyed especially during hot days.
